While my main fitness focus until March 28th is training my ass off for the Publix Savannah Half Marathon, my mind and muscles need some love too.
There is a lot going on over here these days. Lord knows my tight shoulders and my constantly tight hips could use some relaxation and time on the mat. While I’d love to have a massage on a weekly basis to help work out the knots, money doesn’t grow on trees. Instead of weekly massages or a personal masseuse, for far less money, I’ve found that a daily yoga practice helps significantly.
Luckily, I was inspired by many of my friends on Instagram to join the #TakeTheLeap yoga challenge, hosted by prAna and FitApproach. The challenge is one of the simpler ones I’ve seen which I absolutely love. There aren’t challenging, intimidating poses. Instead, it means finding the yoga move that is right for your body each day and committing to practicing daily. If you want daily inspiration, feel free to join the Facebook group and follow along on social media (#taketheleap #sweatpink #prana @prana @fitapproach)
As you guys know, I’ve been consistently practicing yoga on an average of once per week since this Summer. I’m lucky to have a studio in Geneva that I love and friends who enjoy making Monday night yoga a social event. But, the rest of the nights, I have been melting into my mat for 5-10 minutes. Paired with a scented candle, some relaxing lavender oil and dimmed lights, it’s the perfect way to relax before bed.
In fact, here are a few which I’ve done over the past few days before bed.
Yoga for Bed with Tara Stiles (3:13 seconds)
Routine for a Deep Sleep with Tara Stiles (11:04)
Yoga for Tight Hips (4:59 seconds)
10 Minute Pre-Bedtime Yoga Routine (10:00)
Yoga for Runners, Cyclists and Triathletes (5:14 seconds)
While I know it’s already two days into the challenge, which runs from February 2nd to March 8th, it is never too late to join!
Do you have a favorite yoga routine or YouTube video that you follow when you practice at home?
I LOVE yoga. It’s the type of workout that mentally I struggle to make time for. But when I go I’m always glad I went and always say to myself I need to make more time for it. But between running 4 days a week, 2 days of Barbell class the only time left is to squeeze it in on my rest day. But I’ve got 3 weeks and change left before my marathon and I would love to make it a priority at least the once a week until then.
I am trying to commit to yoga at least 1/week but love the 10 minute practice before bed idea. What an amazing way to wind down while giving your body some tlc.
Great job! I love breaking it into manageable amounts of time.
Thank you for reminding me of the yoga before bed videos! I love them 🙂
They are so EASY and help me greatly Madeline! Hope you like these videos!
So funny, I JUST posted about how I need to do yoga to relax after working out at night!!! Thanks for posting this. Trying to ease into (regular) practice again.
Oh wow I’ll have to catch up on your blog! Good luck getting back into a regular practice!
Over the summer I started doing yoga in the backyard. There’s nothing better than being outside with my mat on the grass with the breeze. I can’t wait to do it again this summer too.